20 big-batch cocktails that are perfect for small gatherings

If you’re not a fan of red wine, even with fruit in it, then try this berry sangria from Gal on a Mission instead. It’s just Moscato, ginger ale, and three types of berries, making this an easy big-batch cocktail that’s perfect for when you’re trying to remember how to be a host again.

Blackberries and lemons collide in this whisky cocktail from Life as a Strawberry. It also features a little fizz thanks to some tonic water and is a refreshing summer crowd-pleaser you can make in bulk for your next bash.

A lot goes into making a Bloody Mary from scratch, which is why your best bet is to make and serve them by the pitcher. A total of 13 ingredients go into this version from The Spruce Eats, but trust us: it’s worth it! (Just think of your brunch guests!)

Lambic beer and hard cider are the basis of this lemony cocktail from The Kitchn. The recipe name suggests it’s better than Champagne, but we’ll let you (and your guest list) be the judge.

This Cosmo packs a punch! Vodka and Moscato both go into this refreshing cocktail, which also includes ginger ale, frozen pink lemonade, cranberry juice, and triple sec. Garnish with a lemon or lime, because this beautiful beverage from Miss in the Kitchen deserves to get dolled up.

You might think frozen rosé needs to be made on the spot, but this version from Bon Appetit can actually be made and frozen a week ahead of time. Just be sure to freeze an extra batch—your guests will demand it!

Just because “holiday” usually means Christmas (and it’s clearly a Christmas-themed photo), it doesn’t mean you can’t serve this punch at Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Halloween, or Take Like a Pirate Day. In fact, the last one actually makes sense because this is a Caribbean-inspired punch, courtesy of Real Simple, that includes rum, Campari, and prosecco, as well as both pineapple and lime juice.

A glass of sweet tea really hits the spot on hot days, and adding some bourbon to it will make you forget about the heat even more. This recipe from Inquiring Chef calls for you to actually brew the tea yourself, which makes this cocktail both fresh and refreshing.

If you’re looking to make a warm-weather aperitif or a digestif, you can’t go wrong with limoncello. But remember: limoncello is the epitome of a make-ahead cocktail because you’ll want to let the lemon peels soak in vodka for at least a week. The Kitchn has the details.

Margaritas are easy to make for one person or a whole party—no mix required! As Pinch of Yum points out, it’s as easy as 1-2-3: one part simple syrup, two parts lime juice, and three parts tequila. So if you’re serving six guests, try three ounces of syrup, six ounces of lime juice, and nine of the good stuff. It’s refreshingly easy!

Here’s another one for the gin-drinkers! A negroni mixes gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, and this version from Fresh Off the Grid is scaled up to serve a round for six. It’s equal parts of each ingredient, so doubling or triple the recipe is a cinch.

To our British friends, “fruit cups” or “summer cups” are specialty cocktails topped with juice or soda, and thus are staples at spring and summer social gatherings. The most common base is Pimm’s, a brand of gin-like liquor that is ubiquitous in the U.K. To get you acquainted, let’s start with this version with lemon juice and ginger ale from The Speckled Palate.

Orange juice is the usual pairing when it comes to sparkling wine, but if you also add pineapple juice and mint, you’ll have a pineapple mint spritzer! Got all that? Don’t worry, Damn Delicious has you covered.

If gin and juice are more your guests’ speed, try serving a Salty Dog. This version from the Lemon Bowl calls for 12 ounces of grapefruit juice and six ounces of gin, along with a few garnishes. It’s easy and cheap, in case you’ve got your mind on your money and your money on your mind.

Making red sangria isn’t as easy as throwing fruit into wine, but it’s pretty close. This traditional red sangria recipe from Minimalist Baker calls for dry red wine, brandy, OJ, brown sugar, apples, and oranges, and can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours!

When you don’t want super sweet, overly fruity cocktails, go with this New Orleans classic. It’s just rye whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, and a wee bit of absinthe—making this a slow-sipping classic that’s also pretty classy if you ask us. Epicurious has the recipe.

Cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and vodka go into this simple summer drink, along with any fruit or garnishes you wish to add. BBC Good Food scaled it up to a party-appropriate recipe. (And we won’t blame you if you need a conversion calculator.)

Whether you’re short on time or just lazy, sorbet floats are the quickest and easiest cocktail to whip up for your next soiree. In fact, we’re not even going to link to a recipe. Just combine one cup of sorbet with one bottle of Champagne or prosecco and serve. Pick whatever flavor sorbet you prefer, and feel free to add some fresh fruit!

Swap out the sourness of lime for the sweetness of strawberries in these berry-based margaritas from Culinary Hill. Okay, there’s still lime juice in there, but the pound of strawberries and ⅓-cup of honey balances it out. You can also swap the tequila for rum and make this a daiquiri!

A juicy twist on the traditional mojito, this watermelon-based cocktail still contains rum, mint, lime juice, and club soda. Spend with Pennies has the recipe for six, and, as the website name suggests, it’s a simple and inexpensive big-batch beverage for your next gathering.